Workflow suggestions from 3D laser scan mesh

[Hend-Eng]

Hi folks,

Below is a screenshot of the 3D laser scan data I now have in Fusion. Really pleased with the data but I'm wondering how best to make use of it to carry out the restoration of the real thing. it's a 1910 2 cylinder steam barring engine if anyone's interested.

Ideally, I'd want to use this mesh to then build up the missing sections where the castings have been broken and cut away, but I don't know how to make the first step. Should I be trying to tidy up the mesh to resolve the dirty data back to flatter surfaces and rounder radii( and possibly somehow turn it into a body?), or is the best I can hope for is to use it as a reference dimensions to base a true model from? (And either way, could somebody give me a few basic pointers to set me on my way please?)

We have 3 original works drawings describing some parts, but it's pretty basic information and some artistic licence to contend with too.

[YoavFriedlander]

Maybe you want to consider using the Mesh Intersect Add on (python):

"

Creates sketch geometry that is the intersection of selected mesh bodies and the x-y plane of the active sketch.

This app allows you to more effectively and precisely use geometry imported from a mesh. Using this app you can cut sections through a mesh to create standard sketch geometry. You can then use the sketch geometry to perform precise measurements and to do additional modeling."

You will be able to use the sketches to clean up the mesh without fighting with the mesh so much. In general Fusion 360 is not the proper software for cleaning up mesh (although you can a little) and I am sure there are software that have dedicated tools to deal specifically with scan noise 🙂 

[chrisplyler]

You might find the above-mentioned add-on useful...but even so...I would ONLY use the mesh as a guide...and aim to make an actual solid model with components.

[TrippyLighting]

A method I've used a number of times successfully on this sort of mechanical/technical geometry (as opposed to more organic forms) is to create construction planes thorough the defining positions/crosssections of the mesh and then create mesh-section sketches.

I only used the mesh section sketches as a visual reference to reconstruct the geometry with Fusion 360 native sketch and modeling tools.  

Trying to use this mesh directly is only going to lead to frustration. While there are a small number of rather high priced CAD applications in existence ( 3D Systems Design-X for example) , which offer specific tool sets for reverse-engineering of such parts directly based on the scan geometry, they are pricey. A license for Design X is about US $10k. But this also requires a specialized skill set.